ROH §12-2.3
When animal noise or biting is not a nuisance
Read the official text at honolulu.gov ↗This section makes it illegal to own an animal that is a nuisance, like making too much noise or biting. But it is not a nuisance if the animal was provoked, such as by someone trespassing or threatening to trespass on the property where the animal is. The law protects owners when the animal reacts to a legitimate cause.
The ordinance, as written (Honolulu County) — Animal nuisance - Prohibited
A copy, taken August 22, 2026. The version published by Honolulu is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
It is unlawful to be the owner of an animal, farm animal or poultry engaged in animal nuisance as defined in § 12-2.2 ; provided that it shall not be an animal nuisance for purposes of this article if, when the animal, farm animal, or poultry is making any noise, biting, or stinging, a person is trespassing or threatening trespass upon private property in or upon which the animal, farm animal, or poultry is situated, or for any other legitimate cause which teased or provoked the animal, farm animal, or poultry.
Published by the City and County of Honolulu through American Legal Publishing.
LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.